Northwestern’s wrestling coach Drew Pariano is headed to London to support Northwestern product Jake Herbert, now on the U.S. team. Pariano is sending back his accounts to BTN.com and NUsports.com. Read all of our Olympic journals.

“Jake’s journey to become an Olympian started a long time ago and it was a topic of discussion as early as 2003 when he was being recruited by Northwestern. It should also be known that Jake was trying to stretch his college experience out as long as possible and he did well with that making it a full six-year cycle. Although Jake didn’t finish his NU career as an M.D., he does on occasion refer to his time as preparation for his doctorate in the sport of wrestling.

“All joking aside, our entire staff could not be more proud of Jake and all of his accomplishments. We know that his collegiate career was the perfect preparation for his international career. We also know that Jake has paved the way for future Northwestern wrestlers who aspire to be Olympians and World Champions.

“Right now, Jake is in the final stretch of his Olympic preparation. After arriving at the Games last week via a private jet, the team participated in the Opening Ceremony and after a quick stay in London, traveled more than 1,000 miles to Belarus, which is where Jake and his teammates are training for the next week.

“(Herbert’s) Facebook and Twitter followers (@jakeherbert84) could probably gather the fact that he is excited and the anticipation for Aug. 11 is mounting. Because wrestling takes place at the tail end of the games, all of our U.S. wrestlers will have to wait for their competition day to come. It’s been known that wrestlers and coaches alike are not always the most patient people, but we will do our best waiting for Aug. 11.